Council 'ignored' criminal firm

The council was criticised for not giving tenants enough support

A council in Greater Manchester ignored allegations of criminal activity by a firm that managed flats it owns, according to a local government watchdog.

Salford City Council has been found guilty of maladministration by the local government ombudsman (LGO), following the claims the firm also mismanaged the block of flats.

The LGO investigation revealed tenants in the Appletree Court flats who made complaints were victimised by the company, which is itself run by the tenants.

One elderly tenant claimed he was accused of being a paedophile and forced out of his flat after he complained about the mismanagement.

Serious complaints of mounting mismanagement and criminal activity were completely ignored Patricia Thomas, local government ombudsman

In her report the LGO, Patricia Thomas, also said committee elections run by the company were rigged to ensure those involved in the mismanagement and criminal activity remained in power.

Problems began in January 1999 when the council handed over the running of the flats to the firm - called a tenant management organisation - the report said.

"Serious complaints of mounting mismanagement and criminal activity were completely ignored," said Mrs Thomas.

"Inadequate information was passed to the police which resulted in a low-key response, and the tenants who had complained were threatened with violence."

Mrs Thomas said she was "appalled" by what the investigation had revealed.

Electricity misuse

"When tenants are given the responsibility for managing the properties they live in, they need help and support from the council," she added. "In this case there was no support."

Other complaints included claims a kitchen had not been fitted properly, and in another flat repairs that were promised were not carried out.

The council has since carried out investigations of its own, which have uncovered breaches in health and safety laws and electricity misuse.

The authority said it is currently considering what other action it should take following Mrs Thomas's investigation.